Karjam Saeji: Lopez Artist Advance winners to share fruits of their labor

Oct 02 2007

Lopez Artist Advance winners to share fruits of their labor

By Colleen Smith

Two Lopez musicians spent their summer recording full-length CDs.

Karjam Saeji and Jean-Jacques Tetu, winners of the Lopez Artist Advance auditions, worked with renowned music producer Ralf Illenberger. The two musicians will perform their work at a CD release concert on October 13, 7:30 p.m. in Lopez Center.

Each artist had the opportunity to work with Lopez resident Lenedra Carroll, a music industry professional who manages singer-songwriter Jewel, among others. Carroll helped Tetu and Saeji with artist development and options for the next steps in their careers. The whole project was funded by Lopezians Michele and Steve Heller.

"I was very inspired by the caliber of talent we had at the auditions. I'm so excited by the resulting music that I intend to help both artists move these CDs as far ahead as we can," said Carroll. Both musicians have MySpace sites and their music will be on CD Baby and iTunes.

"Working with Ralf was such a privilege; he's a gifted producer and I am very pleased and excited about the work he did with my songs," said Saeji, who is a Tibetan singer, songwriter, and dancer. He has titled his CD "Pilgrimage."

"Karjam is an extraordinary singer and writer and it was a privilege to work with him. His awesome voice and music allowed for a lush cinematic production that manages to be soothing, moving and awe-inspiring," remarked Carroll. "I'm thrilled with this CD and want to try to place songs for soundtracks and see if we can get a Grammy nomination for it."

For Tetu, a musician known locally for performing blues covers, the goal was to focus on his own original songs and develop his individual style. His CD is titled "The Lopez Sessions," and expanded from five songs to include six acoustic songs as well.

"Jean-Jacques took to the recording process with such ease, we had time to add the acoustic tracks too, resulting in a very well-rounded, full length CD that provides an excellent sense of the talent of this impressive young artist," said Illenberger.

Carroll commented that "Jean-Jacques has the talent to have an excellent career in music. He has a terrific voice and his songs are full of fire and sincerity. And they are really 'hooky' -- once you hear them, you can't get them out of your head."

The community will have a chance to hear the results during the CD release party. Both artists will perform their new material, and Illenberger, also a well-known guitarist and singer, will perform a few tracks of his own.

CDs will be available for sale, and proceeds from the door will benefit Lopez School's music department. Tickets are by donation at the door -- $10 adults, $5 students.

On Monday, October 8, Carroll will spend time with local artists of any genre who are interested in sharing information and asking questions about furthering their careers in the arts. The session will be held in the music room at Lopez Elementary School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

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